No H8 Nails

Bullying is not funny. It is not cool. It is not right. And more importantly, it is not okay.

Most of us are, thankfully, residents of countries that support
tolerance and many of our families have settled in these places simply
for that reason. Generations later, it is our responsibility to
perpetuate that message of tolerance across our new social platforms,
including the internet.

As members of the nail polish blogging community, we all share a love of
beauty, color, and lacquer. Other than that, we are remarkably
different: from our race to our religion to our hair color...even to our
polish application techniques. To marginalize anyone because of those
differences is completely unacceptable and today I take a stand against
that. I refuse to allow other people's view of "normal" dictate how I
behave, believe, and blog.

In solidarity with a multitude of bloggers linked below, my purple
manicure represents my proud commitment to the No H8 movement. Today,
November 8, I dedicate my post to ending bullying of any kind and to
encouraging diversity and imperfection among our colorful community.

Have people forgotten one of the cardinal rules? Do unto others? If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all?

I have personally experience some hateful things in the polish community. I once confronted a contest entry that was using my nail art to win a contest. I asked them to remove the entry as it was mine (and breaking the rules of the contest). It turned into one of the worst and most hateful posts I've ever read. Two girls and their mother were primarily responsible for the hateful comments, calling readers in support of my request that the entrant remove the post "morons", "losers", and "retards". I couldn't believe that sort of thing was happening, and that an entire family had rallied around such a hurtful cause. The kicker was that the mother scolded me for not stopping the behavior, calling me a bully.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, just as everyone is entitled to a vote. You may not agree with that opinion, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. But if you feel the need to express your disapproval, do so in a respectful way.

There are differences between arguments and discussions, constructive and destructive criticism, and being opinionated and being hurtful. Take a second to reflect on what you have to say and how it might make others feel before you express yourself.

There's a serious sense of commradory and community I feel when I blog and get comments from readers. It's this sense of togetherness that inspired tonight's No H8 manicure. Let's all support each other in everything we do, and leave the bullying to the bulls.

You can share your support along with the list of bloggers below. I was personally inspired to do this post by Lindsey at Neverland Nail Blog, who could be quite possibly the sweetest blogger I've ever come across.

If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying and needs help, here are some resources (again, thanks Lindsey!)

Do you know how to get the links of other bloggers into my blog post? I've added my link but I'm not sure how to get it all in my post.I love how many bloggers have taken part and are activly trying to take a stand against bullying x

Well said! I've seen quite a few pretty purple manis today. I like the message that is being sent. Let's hope it makes a difference. I love what you did, the hands shaped like a heart are very clever. Nice job!

Fantastic mani! Gorgeous color and I love the art as well as the message. I'm so sorry you experienced that :( I wish we could all just be friendly or at the very least courteous towards each other. I also really wish I hadn't had work obligations all week and woulda been a part of this!

THANK YOU for your blog, the nail art & most especially the NO H8 campaign. If we witness bullying, then turn around & do nothing then what does that make us. I love Ellen DeGeneres last words, as she closes her show each day..."Be Kind to one another". LOVE IT!

I enjoy comments of all types! However, please do NOT promote your blog through the comments of my own. If you would like to contact me personally, please use the Contact and Disclosure page at the top of my blog. Thank you and enjoy!